In response to the scourge of drought that has hit the Province of the Eastern Cape, The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has set aside the week of the 13th – 17th of January 2020 as peak week to deliver drought relief feed to drought stricken areas of the Province.

The Sarah Baartman District , particularly Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality is among the identified areas, affected by drought.

On Monday DRDAR Regional Director for Sarah Baartman Thembani Nyokana accompanied by the Sarah Baartman District Municipality mayor  Kunjulwa Kekana distributed 26.6 tons of maize, 49. 4 tons lucerne to commercial and emerging farmers.

The Department also handed over 45.4 tons of Lucerne and hay to 187 farmers in Adelaide which is under Amathole District.

Chairperson of the Adelaide Association (Commercial) Hannes Bosch said they appreciated the intervention by the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform and that the feed they received today would give them a “breather”, especially the emerging farmers.

He added that farmers were responding positively to MEC Nomakhosazana Meth’s advice to destock so they can be able to maintain their herds.

“We are doing as the MEC has advised us. Majority of the farmers have reduced their stock by a third and others have just relocated it to other provinces,” said Bosch.